The Danger of Spiritualising Obedience

The Bridegroom has laid up much treasure and food for the Bride, in the form of instruction hidden within the Scriptures. Many of these treasures appear as allegories and parables, and in prophetic types and shadows. These truths of Scripture are hidden from view of prying eyes of unauthorised persons, but are revealed only to those to whom it is given (Luke 8:10).

Satan and his cohorts, the perverters of Biblical teaching, are very skilled at perverting the Scriptures, and changing the clear meaning of the words. One way they do this is by ‘spiritualising’ the simple and plain commands of Scripture.

Adultery

For example, adultery is seen in Scripture as equivalent to idolatry, and is also equated with looking at another with lust in one’s heart. These could be considered ‘spiritual’ meanings, and they give additional meaning to the primary definition of adultery — sexual relations with someone other than one’s own spouse. These ‘spiritual’ definitions, however, do not remove the simple and clear meaning of the original command. Let’s look at an example.

Husbands, if your wife were to say, “Honey, I think I will go stay with an old boyfriend tonight — but don’t worry, I will not commit idolatry, nor will I look at him with lust in my heart, so therefore I will not be committing adultery.”

Husbands, what would you say?

Wives, if your husband were to say, “Honey, I am going over to visit a whore at the whorehouse — but don’t worry, I will not lust after her in my heart, nor will I allow idolatry, so therefore there is no adultery.”

Wives, what would you say?

The above scenarios seem ridiculous. But this is exactly what we have done to Yahuweh! Let’s see how this has happened.

Spiritualising the Scriptures

We have ‘spiritualised’ some of the simple and plain commandments, and have made them of no effect in our lives! When we ‘spiritualise’ Yahuweh’s Word beyond practical application, we nullify His Word in our lives, making His Word of no effect.

One example of ‘spiritualising’ Yahuweh’s Word can be seen in our practice and attitude towards the 4th Commandment. The 4th Commandment is the ‘Sabbath Rest’ commandment that Yahuweh tells His people to keep.

For example, most commercial Pastors and spiritual Leaders today would tell us, “We keep the Sabbath Rest, for we are resting in the finished work of Yahushua.” This statement is one example of clinging to a ‘spiritual’ truth of a commandment, while refusing and rejecting its clear and practical application.

It is this very practice — of spiritualising Scripture, resulting in its practical rejection in everyday life — that prevents Yahuweh’s people from overcoming, and entering their inheritance, as seen by many examples throughout Scripture (Num 32:11-12; Eze 20:15-16; Eze 22:8; Rev 2:5; Rev 21:7).

By rejecting the plain and clear meaning, and holding to only a spiritual or prophetic meaning, many Leaders today have spiritualised the simple command, nullifying it altogether in the lives of many of their followers. As in the above examples of adultery, these Leaders have perverted the clear meaning of the command.

Some will attempt to explain away the simplicity of obedience by telling outright Lies (anything that opposes all of Scripture). Typical excuses include, “That is for the Jews.” “That is not for the Church.” “That is not New Covenant.” Believers, be warned! Each word spoken by a Pastor or Leader must be tested against Scripture!

We can test these Leaders’ words by observing the examples of Yahushua and the Disciples, and by studying and knowing ‘all that the Prophets have spoken’ (Luke 24:25). Wherever there is disagreement with the clear Word of Scripture, there is likely deception. The danger of deception is that it can prevent one from overcoming and from victory. This in turn can result in a reduced inheritance in the Kingdom (Rev 21:7).

Others may say, “We don’t have to do that now.”

Yes, in this they are correct. The New Covenant is not one of compulsion, but of Love. We are not compelled to love Messiah, and we are not compelled to obey Messiah. Under the New Covenant, we are not compelled to obey, but we are exhorted to show our love by our obedience to all of Messiah’s commandments, including those He gave to Moses (John 14:15,23; John 15:10).

We are, however, exhorted to “Be not a hearer of the Word, but a DO-er…” (James 1:23). Yahushua is watching to see who truly loves Him, by watching to see whose words we choose to obey — those of men, or those of Yahuweh.

A false witness shall not be unpunished,
and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
(Proverbs 19:9)

What Are the Ten Commandments? – Also called The Ten Words, these Scripture passages are shown in both Hebrew and English, enabling us to see for ourselves what these Commandments actually say. When we as New Covenant Believers understand whose words they are, we can better know how to respond to them.

Obeying Torah is Not About Salvation – Obedience to the Torah [Father’s House Rules for His family] is not about our redemption by Yahushua’s blood. Instead, it is Messiah’s New Testament instruction to all Born-again Believers in how to abide in Him, how to love Him, and how to walk as He walked.

Seven Biblical Guidelines for Studying the Bible: Using Scripture to Interpret the Scriptures – What is the source of our current understanding of the Bible? The pure Truths of Scripture are of highest importance — how we understand the Scriptures will affect our eternal condition! To avoid being deceived by man-made doctrines, we must not rely on Preachers, Teachers, Bible notes or commentaries. Instead we must study and understand the Bible for ourselves — not looking through the lenses of tradition or man-made Bible study methods — but relying only on what the Bible actually says about how to study and understand the Scriptures! Here are 7 Biblical Guidelines that show us the way!

Contending for The Faith – We are exhorted to contend, to fight to remain in The Faith that was originally given. Scripture shows what The Faith is, and shows why and how we must contend for The Faith. Overview of how the adversary attacks the foundation of The Faith, with examples of contending for The Faith.

Let No Man Steal Your Crown – Reveals there are men today trying to take away, and steal your Bridal veil, and your crown; things that allow your crown to be stolen; the Doctrine of Balaam, and how it will steal your crown.

Who is the Chaste Virgin? – The Bridegroom is coming for His Bride — one who is chaste, and without corruption. The Scriptures warn us of the many forms of corruption, and how to remove them, in order to remain chaste, and ready for the Bridegroom.

2 comments on “The Danger of Spiritualising Obedience”

Thank you Marilyn, for your visit and comment. Yes, the ‘Law’ is not void, and never will be, for it is a part of Father’s eternal Word (John 10:35; 1Pet 1:25; Ps 119:160).

The only way that Messiah be ‘formed’ in us is if we allow Him [living within us] to keep the same commandments [in us today] that He kept 2,000 years ago, when living in His own body. The ‘Law’ is to be used as a mirror for the Bride, to see her reflection as the Bridegroom sees us. If we see any disobediences in our lives when we read the Torah, we can turn around, and begin to obey.

I agree with alot of this article. When you say the “practical application” that makes me really listen. Because in a vision I had of becoming the “manifested Christ” there were 2 words in the vision.. and they were “practical steps” And after searching the scriptures to see what these practical steps were I ended at the law, I ended up finding that the law is not void. Law and Spirit will bring us to the manifested Christ (until Christ be formed in you). So thank you for your work I am learning alot and will continue to share what has been revealed to me. God bless

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